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Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
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Millipedes
"Several species of millipedes emit a foul smelling fluid from openings along the sides of their
bodies. In certain species, this fluid contain hydrocyanic acid, iodine and quinone; it is toxic to
some arthropods and small animals. This fluid can cause blistering of human skin.
Millipedes are rarely if ever serious pests to the householder. When they do become pests
indoors, control is often best achieved by modifying the sites where they are found by eliminating
the damp areas they need to survive. When millipedes are pests out of doors, four approaches
may be used, all aimed at reducing moist areas. Firstly, clear away piles of debris such as leaves,
brushwood, mulch and rocks. Ventilate crawl spaces. Secondly, de-thatch lawns since dense
thatch traps moisture. Thirdly, mow and edge lawns to speed up drying. Finally, water lawns in
the early morning so that they have all day to dry. If these simple measures are insufficient,
insecticides may be applied to basement walls, beds of flowers and ornamental plants, unfinished
basements and crawl spaces. Wettable powders and micro-encapsulated products are usually best
except in crawl spaces where dusts maybe used. Given the millipedes’ dependance upon
dampness, insecticides should only be used as a last resort. During mass migrations, residual
treatment have little effect owing to the brief exposure of the millipedes to the treated substrates.
Using a shop-vac (a vacuum if indoors) to remove the invaders is more effective.
Centipedes
Centipedes are primarily carnivorous, feeding upon insects, such as fruit flies, crickets and
cockroaches, spiders, earthworms, isopods and other small creatures. This diet means that they can
be beneficial residents of one’s home. Occasionally centipedes will feed upon plants and cause
damage.
As with millipedes, centipedes are most often found in damp places such as under loose tree bark,
wood piles, under stones and logs, piles of leaves and grass clippings and similar situations. They
are most active at night. Centipedes rarely enter houses, except for Scutigera coleoptrata, which is
often found in basements, bathrooms, damp closets and pot plants.
Centipedes only rank as pests because of their ability to inflict painful, poisonous bites with their
maxillipeds. The larger Scolopendra species can deliver a very painful bite and should be treated
with respect. Centipedes occasionally attack and damage plants, probably for their moisture.